Revealed: What will happen if India don't travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025? How will it affect World Cricket
Champions Trophy 2025: The focus of all the cricket world has been shifted to the 50-over now as the next big ICC event is all set to get underway in 6-7 months from now on. It is the Champions Trophy 2025, and Pakistan, who are the official hosts of the tournament, will also defend their title against seven other teams. A total of 8 teams will take part in the competition, which will run between February 19 and March 9.
Three stadiums have been shortlisted to host the matches in Pakistan, and all the teams have been given the green signal to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 except India. There have been tensions between the two countries, and they don't play a bilateral series against each other. Last year, we saw in the Asia Cup 2023 when India didn't travel to Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosted their matches. The Indian Cricket Board is expecting something similar.
Champions Trophy 2025: Sri Lanka will replace India if they don't travel to Pakistan for competition
Without a doubt, India are the most followed cricket team in the world, which is why the International Cricket Council (ICC) has to do some difficult work to either convince the BCCI or shift India's matches to somewhere else. However, the BCCI is looking to play their matches either in Dubai or Sri Lanka.
Though there hasn't been any official statement made on it, and just like in the Asia Cup 2023, the PCB doesn't have much choice but to agree on hosting India's matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka. But what if it won't happen. Then, what will be the cause.
Firstly, if India withdraw from the Champions Trophy 2025, Sri Lanka will replace them in the tournament on the basis of the rankings. They finished 9th in the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008, and the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first ICC event solely hosted by Pakistan.
Hence, India's participation is very important in terms of revenue and broadcasting rights as well. If India won't play in the Champions Trophy 2025, then both the ICC and PCB will suffer a massive loss. Hence, that's why these two entities don't want to take risks, and we might see something change in plans for India. So far, as per the proposed schedule, India will face Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Lahore.
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